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New Orleans music festival, food, arts, and more

Now that the cooler weather is finally creeping up on us, it’s time to gear up for a busy season of festivals and events in New Orleans! When it comes to finding fun things to do in New Orleans, any given weekend is chock full of live music, food, and festivities for all ages. But with so many amazing things to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your weekend plans.

We’ve done the hard work for you! Our Guide to Fall NOLA Events highlights the top festivals, shindigs, and outings for the next several months. Whether you’re into Louisiana seafood, fried chicken, movies, art, sports, or charity events… there’s something for everyone!

NOLA EVENTS FOR FALL

Is there such a thing as too many food festivals? We don’t think so! With new food festivals added every year, you can barely go a week this fall without one. From Beignet Fest, to the (new) Mac & Cheese Fest, to the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival in mid November, you’re sure to find one right up your culinary alley. Bucktown Seafood Festival, November 3-5, will offer Louisiana Seafood from Deanie’s Seafood and other local restaurants, plus music and lots of kids’ activities with all proceeds benefting St. Louis King of France School. New Orleans might truly be the reigning food festival capital of the world!

NEW ORLEANS MUSIC FESTIVAL OPTIONS

There’s a multitude of music festivals and events, taking place all over the city including downtown, City Park, and even across the river. The wildly popular Gretna Fest takes place on the West Bank in late September, and don’t miss Gentilly Fest and Crescent City Blues & BBQ, both in October. But the most highly anticipated music event this season is easily the VooDoo Music & Arts Experience, the weekend before Halloween. They’ll have food from local vendors, interactive art installations, and of course major music headliners like Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, The Killers, and LCD Soundsystem.

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN NEW ORLEANS

Arts lovers will enjoy New Orleans Film Festival or Art for Arts Sake on October 7, and City Park will hold several music and arts related events with dreamy names like “Magic in the Moonlight.” If family friendly Halloween events are what you’re searching for, you can’t go wrong with Boo at the Zoo at the Audubon Zoo, the City Putt Halloween Party, or the Krewe of Boo parade in the French Quarter.

You can check out even more New Orleans festivals listed by the week, as well as other citywide happenings. There are also a handful of free things to do in New Orleans on any given day. The full list can be overwhelming at times, so download Deanie’s Guide to Fall NOLA Events for our top picks!